Students with learning disabilities often experience problems with reading. Reading strategies and accommodations can be used to improve decoding skills, increase reading retention and build vocabulary. Simple reading strategies can make reading meaningful and fun.

Reading strategies can be used that fun and meaningful. All children are interested in something. It is important to understand their interests. For instance, if they are interested in basketball, then give them basketball magazines. The objective is to get the child to read as much as possible when building skills in reading.

Read aloud is an accommodation that can be used in the classroom. Read aloud can also be used in the home setting by reading to your child every night. Comprehension skills can be built by asking questions about the material read or allow the child to summarize the text in their own words. When reading at home, it is essential to read above the reading level in order to build language and vocabulary.

Most children love to play games. Word games are an easy way to get children interested in reading. Vocabulary can be build with word games, such as Scrabble, Bingo, and Crossword Puzzles. Students also enjoy playing Jeopardy. The student would be required to read the question, and then give an answer. Games can be used in a home and classroom setting.

Children can use assistive technology to build listening and reading skills. Screen readers can be used to read books to children. Books on tape are very popular. The ability to hear the proper pronunciation of words is needed when learning to read.

Daily practice in reading can be accomplished interacting with the environment. Road signs, directions, recipes, and store signs are just a few examples. Labels can be placed on furniture or centers for reference.

Children with learning disabilities most often benefit from using different learning styles. Seeing, feeling, and doing an activity about the material read will make the text meaningful. This will involve using the senses to learn.

Simple strategies can make reading fun while building vocabulary and comprehension. Spelling bees have always been a way to build interest in reading and spelling by creating a competition between students. Once skills and abilities to read and comprehend have been built, reading will become an enjoyable experience that will last a lifetime.

Article By Celestine A. Gatley
Celestine Gatley´s Designed Transformation Blog